County government projects win national awards for excellence

The Anne Arundel County government has won eight achievement awards from the National Association of Counties in an annual competition recognizing excellence in local government.

The county won awards in every category it entered for the fourth consecutive year.

The awards will be presented at the NACo convention later this week in Cook County, Illinois.

County governments can enter only one project per department or agency.

"It pleases me to see Anne Arundel County employees honored for their dedication and hard work," County Executive Robert R. Neall said in a written statement. "Their efforts are helping to make this county the best it can be."

This year, there were 1,225 entries from 181 counties throughout the country. Of that number, 1,151 received awards.

Baltimore County received the highest number in the state, with 22 projects recognized for excellence.

The honor was the second in as many months for Anne Arundel County.

Last month, it was ranked 12th in a national survey of the fiscal strength of U.S. counties.

Among the Anne Arundel County projects entered were:

* The child care program at Sarah's House, run by the Department of Social Services.

* The Baltimore and Annapolis Trail Park Map and History Guide produced by the Department of Recreation and Parks.

* The Department of Public Works' rehabilitation of the Riva bridge.

* The "Operation Sign Awareness" campaign by the Office of Planning and Zoning.

* The Intra-governmental Risk Management Merger coordinated by the Office of Central Services.

* The Health Department's program to provide primary health care for poor children.

* The county's early retirement incentive program coordinated by the Office of Personnel.

* The Department of Utilities' Energy Management and Conservation program.